Copyright registration for written works in Vietnam

Copyright registration for written works in Vietnam. Procedure for copyright registration of written works in Vietnam according to the latest 2024 regulations.

Copyright registration for written works in Vietnam

Under Clause 1, Article 14 of Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Law, the following types of written works are eligible for copyright registration:

1/ Literary works in written form

This category includes various forms of literary expression that are written down. Examples include:

  • Novels: Long fictional narratives that tell a story through prose.
  • Short stories: Brief fictional works, typically shorter than a novel, focusing on a specific theme or event.
  • Poems: Written compositions in verse, often using meter and rhyme to convey artistic expression.
  • Scripts: Written texts for films, plays, or other forms of performance.
  • Memoirs and autobiographies: Personal accounts or records of significant events in the author’s life.
  • Essays and journals: Written works that reflect personal thoughts, observations, or historical events.
2/ Scientific research works in written form

These are scholarly works produced through research, often presenting original findings or analyses in various fields such as:

  • Cultural studies: Research works analyzing cultural phenomena or traditions.
  • Artistic research: Scholarly analysis in visual or performing arts, including studies on painting, music, theater, and film.
  • Scientific papers: Formal academic papers on subjects ranging from natural sciences to social sciences, typically published in journals or presented at conferences.
3/ Textbooks

Textbooks are educational materials specifically written for teaching purposes, approved by the Ministry of Education. These books are compiled to align with the official curriculum and used in:

  • Primary, secondary, and high school levels: Textbooks that provide the foundational knowledge required for each stage of general education, such as mathematics, literature, history, and science.
  • Curriculum materials: Curriculum materials are written resources designed for higher education and vocational training purposes. These works are approved by the relevant institution or state authority and used for:
  • University and college-level teaching: Materials intended for undergraduate and graduate studies, covering specialized subjects such as engineering, law, medicine, and business.
  • Vocational training: Technical and practical training manuals or guides for skills-based education, including fields like information technology, hospitality, and mechanics.
4/ Other written works or symbols

This category includes other forms of written expression or communication not traditionally found in standard literature, but still eligible for copyright protection, such as:

  • Braille texts: Written works using raised dots to assist visually impaired individuals in reading.
  • Shorthand texts: Abbreviated symbolic writing methods used for rapid transcription.
  • Encoded or symbolic texts: Written materials that use special symbols, codes, or characters, such as encryption systems or ancient scripts.

By registering these works for copyright, authors ensure that their creative efforts are protected under Vietnam’s intellectual property laws, safeguarding their rights against unauthorized use or reproduction.

To register copyright for a written work in Vietnam, the author submits a registration dossier to the Vietnam Copyright Office. The registration dossier for copyright of a written work includes the following documents:

1/ Copyright Registration Application Form (as per the official template): This form is required for all copyright applications and includes detailed information about the author, the work being registered. The form must be completed accurately according to the specified template provided by the Copyright Office of Vietnam.

2/ Two copies of the registered work: The author must provide two copies of the written work for which copyright is being registered. These copies are used to verify the content and originality of the work. At least one copy may need to be submitted in electronic form, depending on the specific requirements.

3/ Copyright ownership declaration: This is a formal statement confirming that the work is the original creation of the author and that no part of it has been copied from others. The declaration also affirms the author’s ownership of the work and is essential for preventing future disputes over authorship.

4/ Identification documents:

  • For individual authors: A copy of the author’s citizen identification card (or passport) to verify personal details.
  • For organizations: A copy of the organization’s business registration certificate or operation license, which verifies the legal standing of the copyright owner in cases where the work belongs to a company or institution.

These documents ensure that the registration process complies with Vietnam’s intellectual property regulations, protecting the author’s rights and facilitating future legal claims or enforcement actions in case of copyright infringement.

The author can carry out the copyright registration procedure for a written work through the following methods:

  • Submit the copyright registration dossier directly: The author can submit the registration documents in person at the office of the Vietnam Copyright Office, either in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Submit the copyright registration dossier via postal service: The author may also send the complete registration dossier by mail to the office of the Vietnam Copyright Office.

Processing time for copyright registration of written works: The registration process takes up to 60 working days from the date of submission of the dossier. Once approved, the copyright certificate will be issued to the author or copyright owner.

Our legal services for copyright registration of written works in Vietnam are designed to provide a complete and hassle-free experience for our clients. We ensure that all aspects of the registration process are handled efficiently and professionally. Our services include the following:

Consultation on copyright matters: We provide expert legal advice on all issues related to copyright for written works, including the scope of copyright protection, the rights of the author, and the requirements for registration. We guide our clients through the entire process, ensuring they understand the legal framework surrounding copyright in Vietnam and the benefits of registering their work.

Preparation and submission of registration documents: Our team will handle the preparation of the copyright registration dossier, ensuring all required documents are properly drafted and compliant with the law. This includes:

  • Completing the copyright registration application form.
  • Collecting and preparing two copies of the written work for submission.
  • Ensuring that all supporting documents, such as the author’s identification and copyright ownership declaration, are in order. Once the dossier is complete, we will submit it on behalf of our clients to the Vietnam Copyright Office, either directly or via postal service, depending on the client’s preference.

Monitoring and follow-up: We closely monitor the progress of the application process with the Vietnam Copyright Office. This includes tracking the status of the submission, addressing any requests for additional information, and ensuring the process moves forward smoothly.

Notification and delivery of the copyright registration certificate: Once the Vietnam Copyright Office has issued the copyright registration certificate, we will immediately notify our clients and arrange for the delivery of the certificate. This ensures that our clients receive the official recognition of their copyright ownership without delay.

With a team of highly trained lawyers specializing in Intellectual Property law, we take pride in offering our clients a professional, efficient, and reliable service. Our deep knowledge of Vietnam’s legal requirements ensures that the registration process is handled with precision, reducing the risk of delays or errors. We focus on providing a seamless experience so that our clients can focus on leveraging their creative works while we handle the legal complexities.

Contact Us Now:

DCNH LAW

Address: 38B Tran Nhat Duat, Phuoc Hoa ward, Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam.

Phone: (+84) 343320223 – 974278893

Email: [email protected]

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